Two hundred US troops arrived in Israel to establish a coordination hub for aid, logistics, and security linked to Gaza.
Officials confirmed they will supervise the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas without entering the enclave.
US envoy Steve Witkoff joined Central Command leader Brad Cooper in Gaza to verify the initial Israeli troop withdrawal.
“This mission will succeed without US soldiers on Gaza soil,” Cooper stated, confirming his command’s leadership role.
Truce Enables Relief and Prisoner Exchange
Under the agreement, Hamas must free 48 hostages by Monday, with about 20 believed to remain alive.
Israel will release roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees in return and permit increased humanitarian deliveries.
Gaza officials reported more than 5,000 recovery projects since the truce began, including infrastructure repairs and medical aid.
Teams restored vital utilities and carried out 700 food relief operations for displaced families.
The World Food Programme announced it would reopen 145 food distribution sites once access improves.
The United Nations confirmed that Israel approved expanded humanitarian operations starting Sunday.
Palestinians Return to Destruction and Loss
Hundreds of thousands of displaced residents traveled north through debris-filled streets toward what remains of their homes.
Gaza’s civil defence authority said 500,000 people have reached Gaza City since the ceasefire took effect.
“When they arrive, they see nothing but ruins,” UNICEF representative Tess Ingram said from central Gaza.
She urged immediate large-scale aid to confront the immense humanitarian crisis.
Medical workers at Shifa Hospital said they recovered 45 bodies from Gaza City rubble over the past day.
US President Donald Trump plans to visit the region soon for the official signing of the Gaza peace accord in Egypt.
